Page 74 of Raised On It

“That right there is the million-dollar question, Rachel. We talked, and we slept, but nothing was resolved.”

“Man, I’m sorry to hear it. She’s a good girl.” Reece commiserates with me.

“You don’t even know the half of it, man. I’ve finally found the woman I want to commit to, and she doesn’t need me. Lives on the other side of the country and won’t stop reminding me how limited her time here in Eastlyn is.”

“Miles, you know the girls and I have talked, and you have to know it’s not about you, right? She’s been through some stuff.Been screwed over and lost herself there for a time, so she’s scared.”

I love that she confided in the girls when she doesn’t trust other people easily. Rachel taking her side means my crew has accepted her.

“I know, Rach, and I’m not trying to rush her into something, but it’s really hard when it seems so easy for her to just walk away from me when she gets scared. I know I’m new to this whole relationship gig, but I’ve learned a lot from all of you, especially you two. I know communication is key, and she has to talk to me.”

“Be patient. I know it’s hard but trust me. I know a little something about the right girl being worth the wait.” Reece turns in his seat to look at Rachel.

In the rearview mirror, I watch her mouth, “I love you too, Reece.” Now, these two have really been through it.

“Enough about me! Look at you two! I couldn’t be happier for you guys. Rach, you excited?”

“I can’t freaking wait, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t scared to death.”

Now Reece is completely turned in his seat. “What do you mean you’re scared to death? I’ll be with you the entire time.”

Uh-oh.

“Babe, I know you will be, but I also know you run that place. You’re gonna be busy, and not only am I gonna be the new girl in town but these people are also your friends and co-workers. I don’t know. I can’t help but be nervous.”

Reece works with Doctors Without Borders and runs a refugee camp for thousands of people who have nothing and need assistance. She’s right. He is busy. Busy saving lives.

“Rachel, you know you are going to be breaking some hearts when you come back with him, right? I’m sure our hot, young doctor here has all the other volunteers creaming in their panties,and now you’ve taken him off the market. You better watch your back, girl.”

“Come on, Vi,” Reece says, using his longtime nickname for her. She was so quiet and shy as a kid that he called her Violet, as in shrinking violet. “Ignore Miles. He doesn’t know what he’s talking about.”

“You better hope he’s wrong because the days of me being shy and quiet are long gone. I don’t want to have to cut a bitch, but I will if push comes to shove.”

“Hot damn! That’s my girl!” I hoot from the driver’s seat.

Reece, well, he isn’t sure what to say. He’s just staring at her stunned silent.

“Understood, babe?” she asks the love of her life, who’s seeing a part of her he’s missed over these past twelve years.

The one positive thing Rachel gained after her heart was torn to shreds was her voice. She protected herself and her heart after Reece ended things with her, and she has been fierce ever since.

I see similarities between her and Mason. Here’s to hoping Mason has found her voice yet is still willing to give us a chance. If Rach can give Reece a second chance, I sure as hell hope Mason can give me a first.

“Understood,babe.God, I love you.”

“We’re here, lovebirds,” I say, putting the truck in park at the curbside drop-off at our small regional airport in Pendleton. They’ll take a quick flight to Portland where they’ll grab their international flight.

We all hop out, and I help them unload their luggage. I’m grateful I got the privilege of driving them today, even if it meant leaving my sleeping beauty. I’m glad to have had a bit of one-on-one time I wasn’t able to get last night at their going-away festivities.

“Thanks for the ride, Miles.” Rachel gives me a hug and whispers in my ear. “Be patient with her, Miles. If Reece and I can make it work again, you guys will get there too.”

“Thanks, Rach. I sure hope you’re right.” I pull back from her and hold her at arm's length to get a good look at her. “Be safe and enjoy this time. I know it isn’t going to be all fun and games, and it will be hard to be romantic but enjoy this experience with him, okay.”

She nods.

“Love you, girl.”

“Right back atcha.”

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